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Conservative candidate Laura Fernandez has claimed victory in Costa Rica presidential election after early results showed a clear lead and her main rival conceded defeat.
Preliminary results from Sunday vote showed Fernandez secured enough support to win in the first round. This outcome allows her to avoid a runoff in a crowded field of candidates.
Election Results and Vote Count
According to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, officials had counted votes from 93.7 percent of polling stations. Fernandez, representing the Sovereign People’s Party, received 48.3 percent of the vote.
Her closest challenger, economist Alvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party, received 33.4 percent. Ramos conceded defeat on Sunday night and said he would lead a constructive opposition.
Election authorities will not formally declare Fernandez president until a manual recount begins on Tuesday.
Fernandez Addresses Supporters
After Ramos conceded, Fernandez addressed her supporters in San Jose. She said voters had chosen deep and lasting change. She also promised to continue the reform agenda of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, whom she succeeded as the party candidate.
Fernandez previously served as planning minister and minister of the presidency. During the campaign, she defended Chaves confrontational governing style and said it offered the strongest response to national challenges.
Crime a Central Campaign Issue
Crime played a major role in the election. Costa Rica has long been seen as one of the most peaceful countries in Central America. However, violent crime has increased sharply in recent years.
Fernandez focused her campaign on public security and tougher policies to address rising violence. She argued that firm leadership was needed to restore safety and public confidence.
Transition Ahead
The election marks a continuation of conservative leadership in Costa Rica. Attention will now turn to the official certification of results and the start of the transition process.
